Super ant colonies emerge in Britain

Daily Mail: Super Ants Have Occupied Britain

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Ants of the Tapinoma magnum species have begun to actively spread across the UK, the Daily Mail reports.

According to the publication, these insects have already penetrated into rural areas of the country, where their harmful potential has not yet been fully revealed.

The publication notes that due to warm weather, ants may spread to more densely populated areas, which could lead to serious problems.

At the beginning of June, the British Pest Control Association warned of the risk of an invasion of the so-called "super ant" Tapinoma magnum in the UK.

This species is native to the western Mediterranean and North Africa, and was first officially recorded in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany, in 2009.

The main feature of Tapinoma magnum is the presence of many queens in one colony, which significantly accelerates reproduction and promotes rapid dispersal. As a result, supercolonies are formed, occupying an area of several hectares.

These ants pose a threat to infrastructure, damaging power lines and internet cables. In some German cities, colonies have inhabited electrical panels and distribution units, causing technical failures and economic losses.